Reply to Closure Update in Ohiopyle State Park - GAP Mile 69

The following GAP closure update was announced in the GAP website yesterday with an estimated trail reopening date of April 28.

"Contractors deployed by Ohiopyle State Park closed the Great Allegheny Passage between mile markers 68 and 69, which lies between Ohiopyle and Confluence, on February 13.

This closure is required in order for cranes to remove and replace an aging culvert that carries water under the GAP to the Youghiogheny River. The project area is extremely dangerous and entirely impassable. Additionally, there is a steady stream of construction vehicles and heavy equipment running near this section of the GAP.

Please note that this section of the GAP is completely closed to all travelers. There is no detour available because of the narrow and steep conditions in this remote location. Work is expected to be completed, and the GAP reopened in this area, by April 28; weather-permitting, it will reopen sooner. Look for updates on this page, and during this project, please enjoy other sections of the GAP.

This is the last of five similar projects inside the park since 2022, and the only one that requires crews to close the GAP to all travelers. These improvements will help Ohiopyle State Park avoid catastrophic failure of these culverts and much lengthier, unplanned closures.

Thru-travelers may wish to consult an outfitter regarding shuttle-for-hire services to transport you between Ohiopyle and Confluence. Examples include the following: Bill’s Car Service, WheelzUp Adventures, Maple Leaf Outfitters, Wilderness Voyageurs, or Yoder’s Guest House."

This complete closure without detour was reiterated today in the GAP website. I speculate that this alert was reissued because some approaching tourists were unaware of it and/or upset given the lack of a detour.

I've recently encountered a number of riders leaving Pittsburgh in route to Cumberland or DC that are unaware of the various closures along the GAP at this time including the Big Savage Tunnel which will not open until 3/28.

My last reply mistakenly stated that the Big Savage Tunnel would be reopened on 3/28 rather than the correct date of 3/31.